Rain or Shine's Araña nabs Player of the Week plum

ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines – Rain or Shine’s Ryan Araña is the PBA’s Player of the Week for the period of December 24-30 after helping the Elasto Painters inch closer to a finals appearance in the Philippine Cup.

Araña has turned in solid performances in the Painters’ semi-final match-up against San Mig Coffee, allowing them to gain a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.

“Si Ryan, he’s the kind of player who doesn’t complain about his playing time or the kind of role you want him to play, and that makes him very welcome in our organization,” Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao told the league website.

In Game 3, Araña scored only eight points – all in the second quarter – but it proved to be enough as Rain or Shine took a 51-32 lead at halftime en route to a 98-72 win.

He was even better in Game 4, scoring 13 points on top of two rebounds, two assists and two steals to help spark the E-Painters to an 83-74 victory.

“He has been known to be a scorer in his amateur days, but here in the pros, he’s been doing a bit of everything, especially on defense,” Guiao said of Araña, who has helpful in the Painters’ mission of stopping San Mig’s James Yap and PJ Simon.

“Iyung puntos darating at darating sa kanya iyon, pero he’s now priding himself more on making the needed stops,” Guiao added.

Araña had an off game in Game 5 last Saturday, going scoreless as the Mixers won 79-67, but Guiao fully expects the former La Salle standout to bounce back.

“He doesn’t take too many days off,” he said.

Game Six is scheduled for Thursday, with Rain or Shine aiming to clinch the series and earn a Finals berth.